Slat roof

ABSTRACT

A slat roof ( 1 ) with several parallel slats ( 2 ) which are rotatable between an open position and a closed position, in which at least one slat ( 2 ) comprises a panel-shaped element ( 3 ) and comprises a profiled section ( 4, 5 ) which extends in the longitudinal direction of the panel-shaped element ( 3 ) and is attached thereto, which at least partly delimits a slat gutter along virtually the length of the slat ( 2 ) and which only extends above and optionally laterally from the panel-shaped element ( 3 ).

The present invention relates to a slat roof comprising several slatsarranged parallel to each other and arranged so as to be rotatable aboutrespective rotation shafts, between an open position, in which anintermediate space extends between the slats, and a closed position, inwhich the slats together form a closed shelter, in which at least oneslat comprises a panel-shaped element and comprises at least oneprofiled section which extends in the longitudinal direction of thepanel-shaped element and is attached thereto and which at least partlydelimits a slat gutter along virtually the length of the slat.

Such slat roofs with rotatable slats are generally used to protect anexternal space, such as a terrace covering or veranda roof, etc. Inaddition to the abovementioned slats, such a slat roof may also compriseone or more additional slats. By rotating the slats between their closedposition and their open position, it is possible to regulate theincidence of light, the radiant heat and the ventilation for the spaceunderneath the slats. By directing the slats, it is possible to protectagainst the sun and/or wind or, on the contrary, to allow them in.

The present invention relates to such slat roofs in which at least someof the slats are composed of profiled sections as structure-formingelements and panel-shaped elements as filler elements. Thestructure-forming elements are selected, on the one hand, to be able tosupport the filler elements and, on the other hand, to be able to attacha shaft thereto in order to fasten or to rotate the slats thereby and tobe able to fasten drive elements thereto in order thereby to drive therotating movement of the slats. The filler elements will usually beselected on the basis of their specific properties, such as for exampletranslucency, sound-insulation or durability, etc., but may equally wellbe selected, for example, for aesthetic reasons.

Several slat roofs have already been described in the patent literaturein which the slats are composed of profiled sections asstructure-forming elements and panel-shaped elements as filler elements.

In DE 91 10 964, the slats comprise a filler element, a first profiledsection which forms a protecting skin for the slat, and reinforcingprofiled sections which are fastened on either side of the firstprofiled section as structural elements for the slats. The firstprofiled section is provided with slots into which the filler element isinserted. These slots are in each case supported by the reinforcingprofiled sections. In EP 1 340 863 A1 and EP 2 159 339 A2, the slatscomprise a number of profiled sections, which are arranged in mitredfashion to form a frame, and a slot in which the panel-shaped element isenclosed in order to be incorporated in these profiled sections.

In this case, the slats from EP 2 159 339 A2 are slats according to thepreamble from claim 1.

A problem which often occurs with such slat roofs is that the propertiesof the filler elements are not desired across the entire surface area ofthe slat roof. In those cases, it is desired to be able to combine theseslats with slats of a similar shape, but without such filler elements.Slats without such filler elements are, for example, known from FR 2 947845 A1, FR 2 701 977 A1 or EP 2 431 547 A1.

If it is desired to combine slats with filler elements and slats withoutfiller elements in the same slat roof, then the deflection of the slatsbetween themselves differs. This results in problems regardingwatertightness, alignment, aesthetics, . . . between a slat with fillerelement and a slat without filler element. In addition, this may lead toit no longer being possible to rotate the slats with respect to eachother in an unimpeded manner.

It is the object of the present invention to provide a slat roofaccording to the introductory part of claim 1, in which theabovementioned problems regarding differences in deflection areminimised.

This object of the invention is achieved by providing a slat roofcomprising several slats arranged parallel to each other and arranged soas to be rotatable about respective shafts, between an open position, inwhich an intermediate space extends between the slats, and a closedposition, in which the slats together form a closed shelter, in which atleast one slat comprises a panel-shaped element and comprises at leastone profiled section which extends in the longitudinal direction of thepanel-shaped element and is attached thereto and which at least partlydelimits a slat gutter along virtually the length of the slat, in whichthe profiled section, viewed in the closed position of the slats,extends only above and optionally laterally from the panel-shapedelement.

By placing the one or several profiled sections only above andoptionally laterally from the panel-shaped element, more material fromthese one or several profiled sections can be moved towards the topwithout having to use more material for these one or several profiledsections, in which case these one or several profiled sections can stillbe fastened securely to the panel-shaped element.

As a result thereof, the EI modulus of these slats is brought closer tothe EI modulus of similar slats without filler elements. Such slats maythus be given the same properties regarding deflection as a slat withoutpanel-shaped element which is substantially made from a material havingsimilar properties as the one or several profiled sections.

Preferably, the profiled section of said slat of a slat roof accordingto the present invention is glued to the panel-shaped element.

By gluing the one or several profiled sections to the panel-shapedelement along virtually their entire length, it is also possible toensure that such a slat has excellent watertightness. Thus, it ispossible to give such a slat the same properties regardingwatertightness as a slat without panel-shaped element which issubstantially made from a material of similar properties as the profiledsections.

With slat roofs comprising different kinds of slats, this constructionof the slats using panel-shaped elements and profiled sections gluedthereto also causes these slats to have the same properties regardingwater drainage and deflection as the other slats from these slat roofs.

Preferably, an abovementioned slat from a slat roof according to thepresent invention with a panel-shaped element and at least one profiledsection comprises a first profiled section and a second profiledsection, which, together with the panel-shaped element, delimit the slatgutter.

In a preferred embodiment of such a slat roof according to the presentinvention, the first profiled section comprises a slat edge which formsthe edge of the slat, comprises a gutter edge which delimits said slatgutter, and comprises a bottom which, together with the slat edge andthe gutter edge, delimits an ancillary gutter which extends next to theslat gutter. The second profiled section in this case furthermorecomprises a hook-shaped projection. In this case, the slat edge and theprojection are provided in such a way that this slat can be accommodatedbetween two adjacent slats in the slat roof, each of which comprises asimilar slat edge and a similar projection, in which, in the closedposition of the slats, the projection of the first adjacent slat mayextend over the slat edge of said first slat and the projection of saidfirst slat may extend over the slat edge of the second adjacent slat.

In this case, the projection of an adjacent slat no longer extends overthe first profiled section as far as into the slat gutter, but mayextend only over the slat edge as far as into the ancillary gutter. As aresult thereof, the watertightness of a shelter composed of such slatsmay be maintained by the fact that water which ends up on said firstslat via the projection of an adjacent slat, can now be drained off viathe ancillary gutter. The advantage of this additional gutter edge isthat more material of the profiled sections can be moved towards thetop, which improves the properties thereof regarding deflection. Thiselevation can be achieved without having to significantly raise theheight which the profiled sections assume with regard to thepanel-shaped element. It is desirable to limit the height of theprofiled sections with regard to the panel-shaped element, so that thesewould not form an impediment to rotation of the slats and so that thesewould not cause an undesirable shadow in the open position. With slatroofs comprising different types of slats, it is usually desirable forthis height to be as similar as possible to the height of the othertypes of slats which form part of the same slat roof.

With such an embodiment, the height of the gutter edge with respect tothe panel-shaped element to this end is preferably at most as high asthe projection and the height of the slat edge with respect to thepanel-shaped element is smaller than the projection.

Analogously, with an alternative embodiment of a slat roof according tothe present invention, in which said slat with at least one profiledsection only comprises one profiled section, the profiled sectionpreferably comprises a first profiled section part which corresponds tothe abovementioned first profiled section and a second profiled sectionpart which corresponds to the abovementioned second profiled section,the first profiled section part and the second profiled section partextending on either side of the slat gutter. Analogously, the firstprofiled section part then comprises a slat edge which forms the edge ofthe slat, comprises a gutter edge which delimits said slat gutter, andcomprises a bottom which, together with the slat edge and the gutteredge, delimits an ancillary gutter which extends next to the slatgutter. The second profiled section part then analogously comprises ahook-shaped projection. In this case as well, the slat edge and theprojection are provided in such a way that this slat can be accommodatedbetween two adjacent slats in the slat roof, each of which comprises asimilar slat edge and a similar projection, in which, in the closedposition of the slats, the projection of the first adjacent slat mayextend over the slat edge of said first slat and the projection of saidfirst slat may extend over the slat edge of the second adjacent slat.

Furthermore, the slat edge of such an embodiment preferably comprises alip which extends towards the bottom of the ancillary gutter.

A plurality of materials are eligible for producing a slat with apanel-shaped element and one or several profiled sections from a slatroof according to the present invention.

The panel-shaped elements may be made from, for example, plastic, suchas inter alia polycarbonate or glass or wood, etc.

In a preferred embodiment, these panel-shaped elements are made to betranslucent so as to allow light into the space underneath the slats viathe closed shelter formed by these slats even in the closed position ofthe slats. Preferably, glass is then chosen as the translucent material,and still more preferably safety glass.

The profiled sections may be made, for example, from aluminium or fromplastic. Preferably, the one or several profiled sections are made fromaluminium.

The one or several profiled sections are furthermore preferably glued tothe panel-shaped element by means of acrylate glue.

Such acrylate glue may have the necessary flexibility to ensure a strongbond which is still able to absorb the difference in expansion betweenthe one or several profiled sections and the panel-shaped element.

This acrylate glue preferably assumes the form of a foam between the oneor several profiled sections and the panel-shaped element.

Preferably, such acrylate glue is applied in the form of double-sidedadhesive tape between the respective profiled section and thepanel-shaped element.

By means of such a tape, it is possible to reliably ensure that the oneor several profiled sections are glued to the panel-shaped element alongtheir entire length, thus ensuring watertightness. In addition, such atape offers advantages regarding fitting, since no time needs to beallowed for drying when it is applied and such a tape can be appliedcleanly, without an operator soiling his hands and without soiling thefitting site.

For the sake of safety, a specific embodiment of a slat roof accordingto the present invention may comprise several securing elementsdistributed with respect to each other in order to secure the one orseveral profiled sections to the panel-shaped element.

The securing elements may consist of clamping elements, screws, . . .When the one or several profiled sections have been glued to thepanel-shaped element, such securing elements will not strictly benecessary, but may be provided in cases where, for example, safetyregulations do not allow structural parts to only be glued together. Inextreme circumstances, these securing elements then offer additionalsecurity against the panel-shaped element becoming detached from theprofiled sections, so that this panel-shaped element does not fall intothe space below the slat roof if the adhesive bond separates.

In a further particular embodiment of a slat roof according to thepresent invention, in which the one or several profiled sections areglued to the panel-shaped element, these one or several profiledsections can be glued to the panel-shaped element under prestress.

To this end, the panel-shaped element may, for example, be pre-bent andbe glued to the one or several profiled sections in the pre-bentposition.

In order for any precipitation falling onto said first slat of a slatroof according to the present invention to be drained off in ascontrolled a manner as possible, this slat preferably comprises aseparate head end which is attached to an end of the profiled section insuch a way that at least one exit opening extends, adjacent to the slatgutter and/or adjacent to the ancillary gutter, between this head endand the panel-shaped element for draining off precipitation and thisslat comprises a separate drooping nose which is attached to acorresponding end of the panel-shaped element and extends at least belowsaid exit opening.

If, alternatively, such a head end and such a drooping nose were to bemade in one piece, the watertightness at the location of these elementswould be less secure.

The present invention will now be explained in more detail by means ofthe following detailed description of some preferred embodiments of aslat roof according to the present invention. The sole aim of thisdescription is to give illustrative examples and to indicate furtheradvantages and particulars of this slat roof and can therefore not beinterpreted as a limitation of the area of application of the inventionor of the patent rights defined in the claims.

In this detailed description, reference numerals are used to refer tothe attached drawings, in which

FIG. 1 shows a slat with a panel-shaped element, a first profiledsection and a second profiled section from a slat roof according to thepresent invention in cross section;

FIG. 2 shows the slat from FIG. 1 in perspective side view from above;

FIG. 3 shows a part of a first embodiment of a slat roof according tothe present invention in a cross section of some slats;

FIG. 4 shows a part of a second embodiment of a slat roof according tothe present invention in a cross section of some slats ;

FIG. 5 shows the slat from FIG. 1 in perspective side view from belowwith additional securing elements.

The slat (2) illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 5 comprises a panel-shapedelement (3) made from safety glass and a first profiled section (4) anda second profiled section (5) made from extruded aluminium. On arespective longitudinal side of the glass panel (3), the profiledsections (4, 5) are each glued on top of this glass panel (3) by meansof a strip of foamed acrylate glue (7) in the form of double-sidedadhesive tape. In FIG. 5, the panel-shaped element (3) is additionallysecured to the profiled sections (4, 5) by means of some securingelements (24). These securing elements (24) may, for example, be rivetedto these profiled sections (4, 5) or these profiled sections (4, 5) maybe provided with a fold into which these securing elements (24) can behooked.

Obviously, other materials for the panel-shaped element (3), for theprofiled sections (4, 5) and for the glue (7) used are conceivable.Alternatives for the illustrated securing elements (24) and saidfastening means therefor are of course also conceivable.

Due to this adhesive bond, the slat (2) between the glass panel (3) andthe profiled sections (4, 5) has been made watertight. In this case, thefoamed acrylate glue (7) absorbs differences in behaviour between theglass panel (3) and the aluminium profiled sections (4, 5).

Together, the glass panel (3) and the profiled sections (4, 5) of thisslat (2) delimit a slat gutter (6).

In FIGS. 3 and 4, this slat (2) is accommodated between other slats (2′,2″, 102′, 102″) in a slat roof (1). In the slat roof (1) from FIG. 3,this slat (2) is to this end accommodated between similar slats (2′,2″). In the slat roof (1) from FIG. 4, this slat (2) is to this endaccommodated between slats (102′, 102″) which do not comprise a glasspanel, but are substantially made from an extruded aluminium profiledsection, which is likewise provided with a slat gutter (106).

In these slat roofs (1), these slats (2, 2′, 2″, 102′, 102″) arearranged parallel to each other and rotatable about respective shafts(23) (see FIG. 2). By rotating the slats (2, 2′, 2″, 102′, 102″), thesecan be moved between an open position (not shown) and the illustratedclosed position. In the open position, there is an intermediate spacebetween the slats (2, 2′, 2″, 102′, 102″) through which, for example,air can be introduced into the space underneath or can leave this spaceunderneath. In the closed position, the slats (2, 2′, 2″, 102′, 102″)form a closed shelter which is able to protect the space situatedunderneath against, for example, wind and/or precipitation.

In addition to the illustrated slats (2, 2′, 2″, 102′, 102″), the slatroofs (1) comprise a lateral gutter on either side of the slats (2, 2′,2″, 102′, 102″) which extends virtually at right angles to the slats (2,2′, 2″, 102′, 102″) and is arranged on one end of these slats (2, 2′,2″, 102′, 102″). The slats (2, 2′, 2″, 102′, 102″) are arranged runningobliquely towards this lateral gutter in order to drain offprecipitation falling on the slats (2, 2′, 2″, 102′, 102″) to thislateral gutter via their slat gutter (6, 106).

At the ends of the profiled sections (4, 5), on either side of the slat(2), a head end (16) is attached. As is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 5, arecess (17) is provided in the head end (16) through whichprecipitation, which is drained off via the slat gutter (6), can flow tothe lateral gutter. The head end (16) is fastened to the top of theglass panel (3) and the recess (17) is provided below the head end (16),so that it ends just above the glass panel (3) in order to form an exitopening through which precipitation can be drained off as efficiently aspossible.

In addition, a drooping nose (19) is glued onto the end of the glasspanel (3) to prevent precipitation which is drained off via the exitopening from remaining stuck on the underside of the glass panel (3).This drooping nose (19) is provided with a slot (21) into which asealing can be fitted in order to guide precipitation which flows out ofthe exit opening (17) away from the drooping nose (19) and towards thelateral gutter.

At the head end (16), the shaft (23) is attached by means of which theslat (2) is rotatably accommodated in the slat roof (2).

Furthermore, a drive rod (20) is fitted through the second profiledsection (5) and the head end (16) so that driving means can engagetherewith in order to drive the rotating movement of the slat (2).

As is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first profiled section (4) ofthe slat (2) comprises a slat edge (9) which forms the edge of the slat(2). In addition thereto, this profiled section (4) comprises a gutteredge (10), which delimits the slat gutter (6), and a bottom (8), whichtogether with the slat edge (9) and the gutter edge (10) delimits anancillary gutter (11). The height of the gutter edge (10) is greaterthan that of the slat edge (9) in order thus to advantageously affectthe properties of the slat (2) with regard to deflection. The ancillarygutter (11) extends next to the slat gutter (6). The slat edge (9) ishook-shaped and ends in a lip (13) which extends towards the bottom (8)of the ancillary gutter (11). The gutter edge (10) is also hook-shapedand ends in a lip (14). The lip (14) of this gutter edge (10) extendstowards the bottom of the slat gutter (6) which is formed by the glasspanel (3). The first profiled section (4) is therefore of asubstantially S-shaped design. When tilting the slat (2), precipitationwhich is situated in the slat gutter (6) and the ancillary gutter (11)will be kept inside the slat (2) by means of the hook-shaped gutter edge(10) and the hook-shaped slat edge (9), respectively, and will bedrained off to the lateral gutter via these edges (9, 10). The head end(16) does not completely close the slat edge (9) and the gutter edge(10) laterally, but leaves outflow openings (18) free in order to allowprecipitation to pass to the lateral gutter.

The second profiled section (5) comprises a hook-shaped projection (12),as can clearly be seen in FIGS. 1, 2 and 5.

As can be seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the slat edge (9) of the first profiledsection (4) and the projection (12) of the second profiled section (5)are provided in such a manner that, in the closed position of the slats(2, 2′, 2″, 102′, 102″), the projection (12) of first adjacent slats(2′, 102′) can extend over the slat edge (9) of the slat (2) and thatthe projection (12) of this slat (2) can extend over the slat edge (9,109) of the second adjacent slats (2″, 102″). When projecting over aslat edge (9) of a similar slat (2′, 2″), the lip (22) of thehook-shaped projection (12) of the second profiled section (5) extendstowards the bottom (8) of the ancillary gutter (11). When projectingover a slat edge (109) (also gutter edge (110)) of a slat (2) withoutglass panel, as illustrated in FIG. 4, this lip (22) extends towards thebottom of the slat gutter (106).

The upper surface of the second profiled section (5) is configured toslant towards the slat gutter (6) in order to drain off anyprecipitation to this slat gutter (6). On the underside of theprojection (12), a brush (15) is provided which, in the closed positionof the slats (2, 2′, 2″, 102′, 102″), extends in an intermediate spacebetween the projection (12) of the second profiled section (5) and theslat edge (9, 109) of an adjacent slat (2′, 2″, 102′, 102″) in order toprevent water splashing in the adjacent gutter (11, 106) from passingthrough this intermediate space and into the space under the slats (2,2′, 2″, 102′, 102″), thus further ensuring the watertightness betweenthe slats (2, 2′, 2″, 102′, 102″).

1. Slat roof, comprising: several slats arranged parallel to each otherand arranged so as to be rotatable about respective shafts (23), betweenan open position, in which an intermediate space extends between theslats, and a closed position, in which the slats together form a closedshelter, wherein at least one slat comprises a panel-shaped element andcomprises at least one profiled section which extends in thelongitudinal direction of the panel-shaped element and is attachedthereto and which at least partly delimits a slat gutter along virtuallythe length of the slat, wherein the profiled section, viewed in theclosed position of the slats, extends only above and optionallylaterally from the panel-shaped element.
 2. Slat roof according to claim1, characterized in that the profiled section is glued to thepanel-shaped element.
 3. Slat roof according to claim 1, characterizedin that said slat comprises a first profiled section and a secondprofiled section which, together with the panel-shaped element, delimitthe slat gutter.
 4. Slat roof according to claim 3, characterized inthat the first profiled section comprises a slat edge which forms theedge of the slat, comprises a gutter edge which delimits said slatgutter, and comprises a bottom which, together with the slat edge andthe gutter edge, delimits an ancillary gutter which extends next to theslat gutter, and in that the second profiled section comprises ahook-shaped projection, in which the slat edge and the projection areprovided in such a way that said slat can be accommodated between twoadjacent slats in the slat roof, each of which comprises a similar slatedge and a similar projection, in which, in the closed position of theslats, the projection of the first adjacent slat may extend over theslat edge of said first slat and the projection of said first slat mayextend over the slat edge of the second adjacent slat.
 5. Slat roofaccording to claim 1, characterized in that said profiled sectioncomprises a first profiled section part and comprises a second profiledsection part which extend on either side of the slat gutter, in that thefirst profiled section part comprises a slat edge which forms the edgeof the slat, comprises a gutter edge which delimits said slat gutter,and comprises a bottom which, together with the slat edge and the gutteredge, delimits an ancillary gutter which extends next to the slatgutter, and in that the second profiled section part comprises ahook-shaped projection, in which the slat edge and the projection areprovided in such a way that said slat can be accommodated between twoadjacent slats in the slat roof, each of which comprises a similar slatedge and a similar projection, in which, in the closed position of theslats, the projection of the first adjacent slat may extend over theslat edge of said first slat and the projection of said first slat mayextend over the slat edge of the second adjacent slat.
 6. Slat roofaccording to claim 4, characterized in that the height of the gutteredge with respect to the panel-shaped element is at most as high as theprojection, and in that the height of the slat edge with respect to thepanel-shaped element is smaller than the projection.
 7. Slat roofaccording to claim 4, characterized in that the slat edge comprises alip which extends towards the bottom of the ancillary gutter.
 8. Slatroof according to claim 1, characterized in that the panel-shapedelement is made from safety glass.
 9. Slat roof according to one of thepreceding claims, characterized in that the profiled section is madefrom aluminum.
 10. Slat roof according to claim 2, characterized in thatthe profiled section is glued to the panel-shaped element by means ofacrylate glue.
 11. Slat roof according to claim 10, characterized inthat the acrylate glue is applied between the profiled section and thepanel-shaped element in the form of double-sided adhesive tape.
 12. Slatroof according to claim 1, characterized in that said slat roofcomprises several securing elements distributed with respect to eachother in order to secure the profiled section to the panel-shapedelement.
 13. Slat roof according to claim 1, characterized in that saidfirst slat comprises a separate head end which is attached to an end ofthe profiled section in such a way that at least one exit openingextends, adjacent to the slat gutter and/or adjacent to the ancillarygutter, between said head end and the panel-shaped element for drainingoff precipitation, and in that said slat comprises a separate droopingnose which is attached to a corresponding end of the panel-shapedelement and extends at least below said exit opening.